SINCE lifting the Cardiganshire Football League title 87 years ago, Aberaeron FC has flourished and the ambitious Black and Ambers are hungry for more success in the Football Association of Wales newly-formed tier four Mid Wales League West.

The seaside club is believed to have been formed in the late 1800s and up until seven years ago when the first team entered the Spar Mid Wales League, competed in the Cardiganshire League, now called the Costcutter League.

During a long association with the south Ceredigion league, the club has won the championship on seven occasions, pocketed the prestigious J Emrys Morgan Cup in season 2002-2003, lifted the League Cup nine times, captured the Bay Cup on four occasions, the first time when beating now defunct RAE Aberporth in the 1955-56 final, and come out on top once in both the North Cards and South Cards competitions.

After elevation to the Spar Mid Wales League, the firsts now ply their trade at Cae Lily, where there is a grandstand, while the reserves are based at Square Field in the town centre and compete in the Costcutter Division Two.

Aeron have produced a host of talented players, including the Hubbard brothers during the middle of the last century and more recently Henry Jones and Emlyn Lewis.

Midfielder Jones, now aged 27, and with Bala Town in the Welsh Premier League, came through Swansea City’s youth ranks while 24-year-old defender Lewis turns out for Cardiff Met, also in the Welsh Premier.

Aeron can boast a strong junior section with teams from under-six level to under-16.

If and when the new league is up and running the Black and Ambers will clash with Aberystwyth University, Barmouth & Dyffryn, Dolgellau, Dyffryn Banw, Newcastle Emlyn, Tregaron Turfs and Tywyn/Bryncrug.

Several players have impressed in training and pre-season friendlies, no more so than Lee Perkswho hit a hat-trick as Aeron sprang a 4-1 away win over Costcutter runners-up Cardigan Town.

A club spokesperson said: “Training is going really well, and hopefully we can get some competitive football in the near future. The lads are up for it and raring to go.”